Did you know that Canada is the world’s second-largest country by landmass, covering 9.98 million km²? With 10 provinces, 3 territories, and multiple climates, Canada is a land of contrasts and diversity.
ApplyBoard is going on a (virtual) trip across Canada to help international students get a better feel for this unique country and discover the region that best aligns with their educational goals. The first stop in our Coast-to-Coast Canada series is the province of Saskatchewan.
This post explores some of the advantages of studying in Saskatchewan and a few of ApplyBoard’s partner institutions in the province.
Top 4 Reasons to Study in Saskatchewan
With a mix of bustling urban centres and small communities, Saskatchewan is a province that reflects Canada’s welcoming spirit and attracts many international students every year. Here are four reasons why Saskatchewan is a great place to study abroad:
1. World-Class Education
Saskatchewan truly offers international students a world-class education. It is home to some of the country’s leading post-secondary schools—we’ll take a closer look at three below. All post-secondary institutions in Saskatchewan are publicly funded, which means more affordable tuition fees and stronger diversity on campus.
2. High Quality of Life
3. Excellent Employment Opportunities
International students in Saskatchewan can take advantage of employment opportunities—both while studying and after. Many students are attracted to Saskatchewan’s post-secondary schools for their competitive, paid co-op programs, which allows students to gain invaluable hands-on experience. The opportunities in Saskatchewan continue post-graduation, which segues nicely to our next point…
4. Great Immigration Policies
The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP) gives eligible recent graduates the option to remain in Saskatchewan and provides a viable pathway to Canadian permanent residency.
The International Graduate Entrepreneur Category of the SINP enables eligible students who don’t have a post-graduate work permit to open or invest in a business. It’s another example of how Saskatchewan is leading the way.
ApplyBoard Partner Institutions in Saskatchewan
Image Courtesy: Saskatchewan Polytechnic
Saskatchewan Polytechnic
Nearly 6,500 international students study at Saskatchewan Polytechnic at several campuses, including in the cities of Saskatoon, Prince Albert, Moose Jaw, and Regina. The school emphasizes hands-on training and prides itself on a 95% overall graduate employment rate. As the province’s only polytechnic, it has also built strong industry connections with top companies including John Deere, General Motors, and Ford.
All programs have advisory councils comprised of employers and graduates, and faculty regularly reviews the school’s curriculum to ensure that it’s relevant to the modern workplace. After completing their studies at Saskatchewan Polytechnic, many students opt to continue their education at the University of Regina or the University of Saskatchewan.
Scholarships for International Students
International students at Saskatchewan Polytechnic are eligible for a variety of scholarships and awards. For current information, please check their Student Awards website or connect with the Student Awards team.
Image Credit: Kyla Duhamel from Saskatoon, Canada, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The University of Saskatchewan
A member of the U15 Group of Canadian Research Universities, the University of Saskatchewan (USask) is one of the country’s top research-intensive medical doctorate schools. Located in the city of Saskatoon, USask is home to world-leading research in areas of global importance, such as water and food security, and is currently developing a COVID-19 vaccine.
The University of Saskatchewan is a mid-sized university with a student population of 26,100, offering degree, diploma, and certificate programs in more than 160 areas of study. It placed first in the world in the study of water resources in ShanghaiRanking’s 2020 Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU), and was among the top four in Canada for veterinary sciences, environmental science, engineering, and agricultural sciences. The school’s veterinary medicine program opens to international students in Fall 2021. Graduates will be able to practice across Canada, the United States, and most of the rest of the world.
Scholarships for International Students
In 2019, the University of Saskatchewan awarded C$13 million in scholarships and bursaries to its students. The university offers a number of scholarships for international students. Students who apply by February 15 for the following fall intake will automatically be considered for:
- International Excellence Awards (C$10,000)
- International Baccalaureate Excellence Awards (C$20,000)
- International Canadian Curriculum School Awards (C$15,000)
- Council of International School (CIS) Awards (C$15,000)
There are also a range of competitive entrance awards which you may be eligible for. Check the USask website for details!
Image Credit: daryl_mitchell, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The University of Regina
Recognized by InfoSource as one of the top comprehensive universities in Canada, the University of Regina offers an array of certificate, diploma, bachelor’s, and master’s programs.
The university is known for its competitive 12–16 month co-op program, which was the first one offered in Western Canada. Co-op lets students apply classroom theory to practical challenges, while also earning a salary.
Fun Fact: The University of Regina campus is located in one of North America’s largest and most beautiful urban parks.
Scholarships for International Students
The University of Regina grants a number of entrance scholarships to its international student population, including:
- International Undergraduate Entrance Scholarship (C$3,000)
- International Student of Distinction Scholarship (C$20,000 for four years)
Take a closer look at different colleges and polytechnics in Saskatchewan with us! Will you find your study match?
We’re sticking with the Prairie provinces for the next stop on our journey across Canada. We hope you’ll join us as we explore Alberta!
Ready to start your study abroad journey in Saskatchewan? Explore these schools on ApplyBoard.
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